Columbus, Ohio

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted anything about Regional Land. This installation takes place in Columbus, Ohio. My very own hometown. Word has it that my little brother it getting hitched, that is something I just gotta see, so I figured it would be a good time to make the pilgrimage home and see what the Ohio Burners are up to.

The fact that there are Regional Contacts in Ohio brings me great joy. Having grown up here, I know all too well the confused looks you get after returning from Black Rock City with tales of shenanigans, art and fire. How wonderful it is to know that we have four awesome RCs here holding down the Ohio fort and helping to connect the Ohio Burning Man Community.
You’d be surprised how many burners are from Ohio in fact. Did you know that Trademark G and Eric from BMIR are from Ohio? Carmen from Burners Without Borders and Maid Marian herself spent time here? Or Playaquest our webmaster? And let’s not forget Hale from the Black Rock Arts Foundation. Kinda makes you wonder if there are any burners left in Ohio…

Springtime in Ohio is a treat. Everything is green, green, green! Huge purple and white irises are in bloom and there are daily sprinkles of rain that just keep adding to the lush and green that is the Buckeye state.

I met up with Stephanie, the Columbus/ Central Ohio Regional Contact for a Meet n Greet at the Surly Girl Saloon in the Short North District of Columbus. A cowgirl – pirate themed bar with food and themed drinks like the “saucy wench” – it seemed a perfect spot to meet up with some Columbus burners.

Yar?! Giddyup?!

We were joined by Ivan who brought a proto type of an art project he wants to build called Seeds of Change. It will be a light installation and eventually there will be three of them. Alas, we won’t get to see this amazing sounding artwork on the playa because he feels it needs to be part of ComFest (free Community festival in Columbus) and a new art festival/ movement that is happening here in Columbus the same time as Burning Man. While we will miss him and his art – I admire that he is choosing to stay home and bring interactive, big art to the people of Columbus.

Imagine it at least 30 feet tall and glowing by night…

Mandy stopped by as well. She’s one of our playa Box Office Managers, and has also helped out with Perimeter duties and Lamplighters over the years.

One of our Southern Ohio RC’s made a surprise appearance – Ol’ Bill from Athens stopped in to say hello. We’ll be visiting him shortly in Athens for the first ever meet n greet there.

A great night of laughter and conversation – we made some new friends at the adjoining tables, discovered the host of the Surly Girl went to Burning Man in ’96 (and wants to go back) and also passed out flyers and talked to people about the upcoming event that the Ohio RCs are working to produce called Scorched Nuts. This is the first Regional Burn in Ohio in years and from the sounds of it will be full of art, fire and lots of good times.

It’s official, tickets for Scorched Nuts are on sale!

I just loved the logo they came up with as a gift for Scorched Nuts work weekend volunteers!